THE WELSH foster father of an 18-year-old Kosovan refugee who faces deportation said last night that he believes the family have a good case to appeal against the decision.

Steve Crandon and his wife Julia Gregg have cared for Edmond Pone in Ebbw Vale for the past four years, since he was found aged 14 in the back of a lorry in Tredegar.

The youngster, who has become a well-liked member of the community, was told this week that he has to go back to his native Kosovo, despite the fact he has no family there, as they all fled the country during the war in the late 1990s.

But after a meeting with their solicitor, Bart Obszynski of Cardiff-based Rees Wood Terry, Mr Crandon said he felt optimistic about their chances of appealing. "They have sent all the papers to off to a barrister for an opinion, and he has not given his definite decision, but it is looking good for an appeal," he said.

"We think we have good grounds to lodge an appeal, which has to be done within 10 days, and then it is just a matter of whether they give us permission to go forward to the tribunal. We are feeling a bit more optimistic."

Mr Crandon, 34, and Ms Gregg, 31, consider Edmond to be part of their family now, along with fellow Kosovan Krenar Lleshi, who was found in the lorry with Edmond, having also been sent by his family to search for safety.

Mr Crandon said the support received after the negative decision by the Immigration Appellate Authority had been fantastic.

The former Archbishop of Wales is a family friend and has written many letters of support to them during the long application process.

He is on holiday, but Mr Crandon said he expects Dr Williams, to get in touch as soon as he is back.

The family now plan a further campaign to keep Edmond in Wales, which he now considers his home.

"We will be lobbying the Home Secretary, the Assembly, anyone we can to raise the profile of Edmond's case," Mr Crandon said.

"We will also maybe look at some fund-raising ideas to help with legal expenses, and more petitions to show the support Edmond has in the community."

Since he arrived in Wales, Edmond has learnt English, completed two years of a construction course at the local college, and become an active member of the local church.

The Rev Roger Hewett, rector of Blaina and Nantyglo, said, "It seems that Edmond has followed all of David Blunkett's guidelines for immigrants on integrating into the community, learning English, and this has held no sway whatsoever. It's difficult to understand."